Jump to content

Squak Mountain: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 47°29′47″N 122°02′18″W / 47.49639°N 122.03833°W / 47.49639; -122.03833
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Cydebot (talk | contribs)
6,812,251 edits
m Robot - Moving category Washington (state) state parks to Category:State parks of Washington (state) per CFD at Wikipedia:Categories for discussion/Log/2013 February 25.
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,548,632 edits
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Mountain in Washington (state), United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox mountain
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Squak Mountain
| name = Squak Mountain
| photo = Poo Poo Point.jpg
| photo = Poo Poo Point.jpg
| photo_caption = Squak Mountain (Southeast and Central Peaks) as seen from [[Poo Poo Point]] (east)
| photo_caption = Squak Mountain (Southeast and Central Peaks) as seen from [[Tiger Mountain (Washington)|Poo Poo Point]] (east)
| elevation_ft = 2028
| elevation_ft = 2028
| elevation_ref = <ref name=ngs>{{cite ngs|id=SY3571|name=Byron}}</ref>
| elevation_ref = <ref name=ngs>{{cite ngs|id=SY3571|name=Byron}}</ref>
| prominence_ft = 1680
| prominence_ft = 1689
| prominence_ref = <ref name=pb>{{cite peakbagger |pid=2207 |name=Squak Mountain}}</ref>
| prominence_ref = <ref name=pb>{{cite peakbagger |pid=2207 |name=Squak Mountain}}</ref>
| location = [[King County, Washington]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| location = [[King County, Washington]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| range = [[Issaquah Alps]]
| range = [[Issaquah Alps]]
| coordinates = {{coord|47|29|47|N|122|02|18|W|type:mountain_region:US}}
| coordinates = {{coord|47|29|47|N|122|02|18|W|type:mountain_region:US|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref = <ref name=ngs/>
| coordinates_ref = <ref name=ngs/>
}}
}}


'''Squak Mountain''' is the second most westerly mountain of the [[Issaquah Alps]] [[mountain chain]] in [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] state. It is situated between [[Cougar Mountain]] to the west and [[Tiger Mountain]] to the east. [[Interstate 90]] parallels the base of the north side of the mountain. Much of the Squak Mountain [[drainage basin|watershed]] drains in to [[Lake Sammamish]]. Most of the mountain is protected by '''Squak Mountain State Park''' and Cougar/Squak and Squak/Tiger Corridors of [[King County, Washington|King County]].
'''Squak Mountain''' is the second most westerly mountain of the [[Issaquah Alps]] [[mountain chain]] in [[Washington (state)|Washington]] state. It is situated between [[Cougar Mountain]] to the west and [[Tiger Mountain (Washington)|Tiger Mountain]] to the east. [[Interstate 90]] parallels the base of the north side of the mountain. Much of the Squak Mountain [[drainage basin|watershed]] drains into [[Lake Sammamish]]. Most of the mountain is protected by '''Squak Mountain State Park''' and the Cougar/Squak and Squak/Tiger Corridors of [[King County, Washington|King County]].


Squak Mountain actually consists of three major peaks: the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=2207 Central Peak] (Elevation 2024 feet), the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=25669 West Peak] (Elevation 1995 feet), and the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=31304 Southeast Peak] (Elevation 1673 feet).
Squak Mountain actually consists of three major peaks: the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=2207 Central Peak] (Elevation 2024 feet), the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=25669 West Peak] (Elevation 1995 feet), and the [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=31304 Southeast Peak] (Elevation 1673 feet).


The name "Squak" comes from the [[Lushootseed language|Southern Lushootseed]] placename ''/sqʷásxʷ/'', which is also the source of the name [[Issaquah Creek]] and the city of [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]].<ref name="Bright2004">{{cite book|last=Bright|first=William|authorlink=William Bright|title=Native American placenames of the United States|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5XfxzCm1qa4C&pg=PA459|accessdate=11 April 2011|year=2004|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=978-0-8061-3598-4|pages=187, 459}}</ref><ref name=majors>{{Cite book| last = Majors | first = Harry M. | title = Exploring Washington | publisher = Van Winkle Publishing Co | year = 1975 | page = 78 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CoWrPQAACAAJ| isbn = 978-0-918664-00-6}}</ref>
The name "Squak" comes from the [[Lushootseed language|Southern Lushootseed]] placename ''/sqʷásxʷ/'', which is also the source of the name [[Issaquah Creek]] and the city of [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]].<ref name="Bright2004">{{cite book|last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William Bright|title=Native American placenames of the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5XfxzCm1qa4C&pg=PA459|access-date=11 April 2011|year=2004|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=978-0-8061-3598-4|pages=187, 459}}</ref><ref name=majors>{{Cite book| last = Majors | first = Harry M. | title = Exploring Washington | publisher = Van Winkle Publishing Co | year = 1975 | page = 78 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CoWrPQAACAAJ| isbn = 978-0-918664-00-6}}</ref>

⚫
[[File:Trientalis borealis 1177.JPG|left|upright|thumb|''[[Trientalis latifolia]]'' (Broadleaf Starflower) is a perennial [[herbaceous plant|herb]] found on Squak Mountain.]]

[[Image:Squak.jpg|thumb|right|284px|Radar image of Squak Mountain, with park map superimposed]]


==History==
==History==
[[File:Bullitt Fireplace.jpg|thumb|256x256px|Remains of the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt]] Family home located on Squak Mountain.]]
⚫
[[File:Trientalis borealis 1177.JPG|right|upright|thumb|''[[Trientalis latifolia]]'' (broadleaf starflower) is a native perennial [[herbaceous plant|herb]] found on Squak Mountain.]]
[[File:Bufo boreas 10565.JPG|right|upright|thumb|''[[Bufo boreas]]'' (western toad) is a native [[amphibian]] found on Squak Mountain.]]
⚫
Squak Mountain first appears in the history of European settlement after the discovery of coal on the mountain in 1859. This helped fuel the establishment of the first commercial coal mine in [[Issaquah, Washington|Issaquah]] in 1862 and in [[Renton, Washington|Renton]] in 1863. While there is no longer coal mining on Squak Mountain, the dangers posed by abandoned mines are one reason it has been preserved from development.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ginderland|first=Sherry|title=Hiker mines Eastside's coal-fired past|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/hiker-mines-eastsides-coal-fired-past/|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=October 27, 2005}}</ref>


⚫
Squak Mountain State Park was formed in 1972. The initial land grant of 590 acres to form the park was made by the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt family]]. The initial grant was near the top and specified that the land remain in its natural state. These stipulations can still be seen today in the greater restrictions in park usage at the top of the mountain, on the original Bullitt family parcel. The remains of the Bullitt family home (just a foundation and fireplace) can be found in this original parcel.
⚫
Squak Mountain first appears in the history of European settlement after the discovery of coal on the mountain in 1859. This helped fuel the establishment of the first commercial coal mine in [[Issaquah, WA]] in 1862 and in [[Renton, WA]] in 1863. While there is no longer coal mining on Squak Mountain, the dangers posed by abandoned mines are one reason it has been preserved from development.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ginderland|first=Sherry|title=Hiker mines Eastside's coal-fired past|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2002586143_minehike27e.html|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=October 27, 2005}}</ref>


⚫
Over time, the park has expanded to its current size of 1,545-acres through the acquisition of additional parcels of land.<ref>{{cite web|title=Complete information for Squak Mountain|url=http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Squak%20Mountain&subject=all|publisher=Washington State Parks|access-date=2 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621211956/http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Squak%20Mountain&subject=all|archive-date=21 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫
Squak Mountain State Park was formed in 1972. The initial land grant of 590 acres to form the park was made by the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt family]]. The initial grant was near the top and specified that the land remain in its natural state. These stipulations can still be seen today in the greater restrictions in park usage at the top of the mountain, on the original [[Bullitt|Bullitt family]] parcel. The remains of the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt family]] home (just a foundation and fireplace) can be found in this original parcel.


⚫
While generally a quiet and safe park, there have been some incidents over the years:
⚫
Over time, the park has expanded to its current size of 1,545-acres through the acquisition of additional parcels of land.<ref>{{cite web|title=Complete information for Squak Mountain|url=http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Squak%20Mountain&subject=all|publisher=Washington State Parks|accessdate=2 October 2012}}</ref>
⚫
* On January 15, 1953, during a heavy storm, a Flying Tiger Line DC-4 flying to Boeing field from Burbank, California, was blown off course, clipped trees near the summit and came down near a farm near the Issaquah-Hobart Road in a fiery crash that killed all on board. The fire was so intense it was four days before it burned itself out enough that rescuers could approach and recover the bodies.<ref name=AirCrash>{{cite journal|last=Pfarr|first=Tim|title=Uncover the dark side of Issaquah|journal=Issaquah Press|date=February 15, 2011|url=http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/02/15/discover-the-dark-side-of-issaquah/|access-date=30 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001064715/http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/02/15/discover-the-dark-side-of-issaquah/|archive-date=1 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Flying Tiger cargo plane crashes at the base of Squak Mountain south of Issaquah, killing seven, on January 7, 1953.|url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8122|work=History Link|access-date=2 October 2012}}</ref>
⚫
* On May 4, 1991, Donna Barensten, who suffered from dementia, disappeared while hiking with her husband Ron in Squak Mountain State Park. Her body was found nearly one year later on April 27, 1992.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trackers Hunt For Woman, 59, Missing In Hike|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910506/1281497/trackers-hunt-for-woman-59-missing-in-hike|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 6, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Katherine|title=No Sign Of Woman Missing On Squak Mtn.|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910507/1281761/no-sign-of-woman-missing-on-squak-mtn|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 7, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Search Suspended For Hiker – Issaquah Woman Still Missing After Four Days On Squak Mountain|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910508/1281957/search-suspended-for-hiker----issaquah-woman-still-missing-after-four-days-on-squak-mountain|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 8, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Katherine|title=The Vanished Hiker – Puzzled Husband Retraces Fateful Walk On Squak Mt.|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910510/1282338/the-vanished-hiker----puzzled-husband-retraces-fateful-walk-on-squak-mt|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 10, 1991}}</ref><ref name=1991Death>{{cite journal|title=Body Found On Squak Mountain|journal=Seattle Times|date=April 27, 1992|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920427/1488661/body-found-on-squak-mountain|access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Body On Squak Mountain May Be Issaquah Hiker's|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920427/1488660/body-on-squak-mountain-may-be-issaquah-hikers|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=April 27, 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bones Identified As Woman Hiker Missing For A Year – Cause Of Death Remains Unclear|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920428/1488814/bones-identified-as-woman-hiker-missing-for-a-year----cause-of-death-remains-unclear|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=April 28, 1992}}</ref>
⚫
* On April 25, 2004, the body of Alena Stathopoulos, 29 was found on the Squak Mountain trail not far from SE May Valley Road by two hikers. Her roommate Esther Rose Havekost was convicted in December 2004 for murdering her in their shared apartment and for paying a man $10,000 to dump the body. She was sentenced to 27 months in prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Death of woman found on Squak Mountain is a mystery to authorities|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Death-of-woman-found-on-Squak-Mountain-is-a-1144087.php|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=May 5, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Skolnik|first=Sam|title=Woman who ran escort agency charged in roommate's death|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Woman-who-ran-escort-agency-charged-in-roommate-s-1161007.php|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=December 1, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Woman gets 27 months in slaying of friend|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Woman-gets-27-months-in-slaying-of-friend-1178512.php|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=July 15, 2005}}</ref>
⚫
* On August 7, 2011, Kenneth Blanchard, 53, an experienced [[paragliding|paraglider]], died after a rigging problem caused him to fall 40 to 50 feet to his death. He had launched from Poo Poo Point on [[Tiger Mountain (Washington)|Tiger Mountain]] with the intent of landing not at the Tiger Mountain Flight Park <ref>{{cite web|title=About Tiger Mountain Flight Park|url=http://www.tigermountainparagliding.com/AboutTiger.html|access-date=2 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922175041/http://www.tigermountainparagliding.com/AboutTiger.html|archive-date=22 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> landing point, but instead in a pasture near his home in [[Renton, Washington]]. While flying over the High Valley neighborhood on the southwest side of Squak Mountain, his rigging experienced a catastrophic failure that caused him to fall to his death in a pasture.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kagarise|first=Warren|title=Paraglider pilot plummets to death near Squak Mountain|url=http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/08/09/paraglider-pilot-plummets-to-death-near-squak-mountain/|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Issaquah Press|date=August 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314040831/http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/08/09/paraglider-pilot-plummets-to-death-near-squak-mountain/|archive-date=14 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
==Park==
⚫
While generally a quiet and safe park, Squak Mountain has seen mayhem over the years.
⚫
* On January 15, 1953 during a heavy storm, a Flying Tiger Line DC-4 flying to Boeing field from Burbank, California was blown off course, clipped trees near the summit and came down near a farm near the Issaquah-Hobart Road in a fiery crash that killed all on board. The fire was so intense it was four days before it burned itself out enough that rescuers could approach and recover the bodies.<ref name=AirCrash>{{cite journal|last=Pfarr|first=Tim|title=Uncover the dark side of Issaquah|journal=Issaquah Press|date=February 15, 2011|url=http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/02/15/discover-the-dark-side-of-issaquah/|accessdate=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Flying Tiger cargo plane crashes at the base of Squak Mountain south of Issaquah, killing seven, on January 7, 1953.|url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8122|work=History Link|accessdate=2 October 2012}}</ref>

⚫
* On May 4, 1991, Donna Barensten who suffered from dementia disappeared while hiking with her husband Ron in Squak Mountain State Park. Her body was found nearly one year later on April 27, 1992.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trackers Hunt For Woman, 59, Missing In Hike|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19910506&slug=1281497|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 6, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Katherine|title=No Sign Of Woman Missing On Squak Mtn.|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19910507&slug=1281761|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 7, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Search Suspended For Hiker -- Issaquah Woman Still Missing After Four Days On Squak Mountain|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19910508&slug=1281957|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 8, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Long|first=Katherine|title=The Vanished Hiker -- Puzzled Husband Retraces Fateful Walk On Squak Mt.|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19910510&slug=1282338|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=May 10, 1991}}</ref><ref name=1991Death>{{cite journal|title=Body Found On Squak Mountain|journal=Seattle Times|date=April 27, 1992|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920427&slug=1488661|accessdate=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Body On Squak Mountain May Be Issaquah Hiker's|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920427&slug=1488660|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=April 27, 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bones Identified As Woman Hiker Missing For A Year -- Cause Of Death Remains Unclear|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920428&slug=1488814|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Times|date=April 28, 1992}}</ref>
⚫
* On April 25, 2004, the body of Alena Stathopoulos, 29 was found on the Squak Mountain trail not far from SE May Valley Road by two hikers. Her roommate Esther Rose Havekost was convicted in December 2004 for murdering her in their shared apartment and for paying a man $10,000 to dump the body. She was sentenced to 27 months in prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Death of woman found on Squak Mountain is a mystery to authorities|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Death-of-woman-found-on-Squak-Mountain-is-a-1144087.php|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=May 5, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Skolnik|first=Sam|title=Woman who ran escort agency charged in roommate's death|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Woman-who-ran-escort-agency-charged-in-roommate-s-1161007.php|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=December 1, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Woman gets 27 months in slaying of friend|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Woman-gets-27-months-in-slaying-of-friend-1178512.php|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=July 15, 2005}}</ref>

⚫
* On August 7, 2011, Kenneth Blanchard, 53, an experienced [[paragliding|paraglider]], died after a rigging problem caused him to fall 40 to 50 feet to his death. He had launched from Poo Poo Point on [[Tiger Mountain]] with the intent of landing not at the TIger Mountain Flight Park <ref>{{cite web|title=About Tiger Mountain Flight Park|url=http://www.tigermountainparagliding.com/AboutTiger.html|accessdate=2 October 2012}}</ref> landing point, but instead in a pasture near his home in [[Renton, Washington]]. While flying over the High Valley neighborhood on the southwest side of Squak Mountain, his rigging experienced a catastrophic failure that caused him to fall to his death in a pasture.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kagarise|first=Warren|title=Paraglider pilot plummets to death near Squak Mountain|url=http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/08/09/paraglider-pilot-plummets-to-death-near-squak-mountain/|accessdate=2 October 2012|newspaper=Issaquah Press|date=August 9, 2011}}</ref>

⚫
==The Park==
The well-signed trail system consists mostly of abandoned roads that are narrowing to single-track trails, more so each year. One such road-trail leads to a foundation and fireplace that is the remnant of the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt family]] summer home. Distant views are infrequent because of the forest. The major attraction of Squak Mountain is its urban [[wilderness]].
The well-signed trail system consists mostly of abandoned roads that are narrowing to single-track trails, more so each year. One such road-trail leads to a foundation and fireplace that is the remnant of the [[Dorothy Bullitt|Bullitt family]] summer home. Distant views are infrequent because of the forest. The major attraction of Squak Mountain is its urban [[wilderness]].


=== Trails ===
=== Trails ===
⚫
[[Real estate developer|Residential development]] in Issaquah extends to the park boundary at an elevation of about {{convert|1,100|ft}}. The park is accessed from a trailhead (elevation {{convert|740|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}) at the hairpin turn of Mountainside Drive in the north, and the signed state park entrance on May Valley Road in the south (elevation {{convert|350|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}). A lesser trailhead is found on the [[Renton, Washington|Renton]]-Issaquah Road on the west (elevation {{convert|400|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}). Other trailheads may be reached via Sycamore Drive SE and Sunrise Place SE.
Squak Mountain State Park features the following trails:
* Equestrian Loop Trail
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/squak-mountain-may-valley-trail May Valley Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/phils-trail-thrush-gap-loop Phil's Creek Trail]
* Summit Trail
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/perimeter-loop-trail Perimeter Loop Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/valley-connector Valley Connector Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/west-peak West Peak Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bullitt-access Bullitt Access Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bullitt-fireplace Bullitt Fireplace]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bullitt-gorge Bullitt Gorge]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/central-peak Central Peak Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chybinski-loop Chybinski Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/squak-mountain-eastside-loop East Side Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/old-griz Old Griz Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/west-access West Access Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/coal-mine Coal Mine Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bullitt-access Bullitt Access Trail]
* [http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/east-side East Side Trail]

⚫
[[Real estate developer|Residential development]] in Issaquah extends to the park boundary to and elevation of about {{convert|1,100|ft}}. The park is accessed from a trailhead (elevation {{convert|740|ft|disp=s|abbr=out}}) at the hairpin turn of Mountainside Drive in the north, and the signed state park entrance on May Valley Road in the south (elevation {{convert|350|ft|disp=s|abbr=out}}). A lesser trailhead is found on the [[Renton, Washington|Renton]]-Issaquah Road on the west (elevation {{convert|400|ft|disp=s|abbr=out}}). Other trailheads may be reached via Sycamore Drive SE and Sunrise Place SE.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 75: Line 53:
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons|Squak Mountain State Park|Squak Mountain}}
{{Commons|Squak Mountain State Park|Squak Mountain}}
* {{cite web |title=Squak Mountain State Park |publisher=[[Washington State Parks]] |url=http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Squak%20Mountain}}
* {{cite web |title=Squak Mountain State Park |publisher=[[Washington State Parks]] |url=http://parks.state.wa.us/588/Squak-Mountain}}
* {{cite ngs|id= SY3572|designation=Squak Mtn King County Rad Mast}}
* {{cite ngs|id= SY3572|designation=Squak Mtn King County Rad Mast}}
* {{cite journal |first=Karen |last=Sykes |title=Time to take a closer look at nearby Squak Mountain |date=March 29, 2001 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/16372_hike29.shtml}}
* {{cite news |first=Karen |last=Sykes |title=Time to take a closer look at nearby Squak Mountain |date=March 29, 2001 |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/16372_hike29.shtml}}
* {{cite journal|last=McQuaide|first=Mike|title=Issaquah's Squak Mountain is climbing in popularity|journal=Seattle Times|date=November 4, 2004|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20041104&slug=nwwsquak04|accessdate=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite journal|last=McQuaide|first=Mike|title=Issaquah's Squak Mountain is climbing in popularity|journal=Seattle Times|date=November 4, 2004|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20041104/nwwsquak04/issaquahs-squak-mountain-is-climbing-in-popularity|access-date=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite journal|last=Sykes|first=Karen|title=Hike Of The Week: It's easy to get away in the Issaquah Alps|journal=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=December 26, 2007|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Hike-Of-The-Week-It-s-easy-to-get-away-in-the-1259532.php#ixzz1WTCWONQg|accessdate=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite journal|last=Sykes|first=Karen|title=Hike Of The Week: It's easy to get away in the Issaquah Alps|journal=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=December 26, 2007|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Hike-Of-The-Week-It-s-easy-to-get-away-in-the-1259532.php#ixzz1WTCWONQg|access-date=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite journal|last=Mapes|first=Lynda V.|title=Squak Mountain trail is a winter delight|journal=Seattle Times|date=December 25, 2009|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010598182_wintertrails26m.html|accessdate=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite journal|last=Mapes|first=Lynda V.|title=Squak Mountain trail is a winter delight|journal=Seattle Times|date=December 25, 2009|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010598182_wintertrails26m.html|access-date=30 August 2011}}
* {{cite gnis|id=1512686|title=Squak Mountain}}
* {{cite gnis|id=1512686|title=Squak Mountain}}
* "[http://www.summitpost.org/view_object.php?object_id=408738&context_id=442785 Squak Mountain]". SummitPost.org.
* "[http://www.summitpost.org/view_object.php?object_id=408738&context_id=442785 Squak Mountain]". SummitPost.org.
Line 86: Line 64:
* "[http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=25669 Squak Mountain-West Peak]". Peakbagger.com.
* "[http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=25669 Squak Mountain-West Peak]". Peakbagger.com.
* "[http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=31304 Squak Mountain-Southeast Peak]". Peakbagger.com.
* "[http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=31304 Squak Mountain-Southeast Peak]". Peakbagger.com.
* [http://www.greentrailsmaps.com/maps/search/mapid=203S Green Trails Maps Map of Cougar and Squak Mountains].
* [https://www.greentrailsmaps.com/searchdetail?type=map&state=WA&id=118 Green Trails Maps Map of Cougar and Squak Mountains].
* [http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/thumbnailAndmaps/8600342.pdf Washington State Parks Map of Squak Mountain State Park].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100628122004/http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/thumbnailAndmaps/8600342.pdf Washington State Parks Map of Squak Mountain State Park].

⚫
{{Protected areas of Washington (state)}}


{{authority control}}
⚫
{{Protected Areas of Washington}}


[[Category:Cascade Range]]
[[Category:Cascade Range]]
[[Category:Mountains of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Mountains of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Landforms of King County, Washington]]
[[Category:Mountains of King County, Washington]]
[[Category:State parks of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:State parks of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Parks in King County, Washington]]
[[Category:Parks in King County, Washington]]
[[Category:Parks in Issaquah, Washington]]

Latest revision as of 04:06, 13 November 2024

Squak Mountain
Squak Mountain (Southeast and Central Peaks) as seen from Poo Poo Point (east)
Highest point
Elevation2,028 ft (618 m)[1]
Prominence1,689 ft (515 m)[2]
Coordinates47°29′47″N 122°02′18″W / 47.49639°N 122.03833°W / 47.49639; -122.03833[1]
Geography
Map
LocationKing County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeIssaquah Alps

Squak Mountain is the second most westerly mountain of the Issaquah Alps mountain chain in Washington state. It is situated between Cougar Mountain to the west and Tiger Mountain to the east. Interstate 90 parallels the base of the north side of the mountain. Much of the Squak Mountain watershed drains into Lake Sammamish. Most of the mountain is protected by Squak Mountain State Park and the Cougar/Squak and Squak/Tiger Corridors of King County.

Squak Mountain actually consists of three major peaks: the Central Peak (Elevation 2024 feet), the West Peak (Elevation 1995 feet), and the Southeast Peak (Elevation 1673 feet).

The name "Squak" comes from the Southern Lushootseed placename /sqʷásxʷ/, which is also the source of the name Issaquah Creek and the city of Issaquah.[3][4]

History

[edit]
Remains of the Bullitt Family home located on Squak Mountain.
Trientalis latifolia (broadleaf starflower) is a native perennial herb found on Squak Mountain.
Bufo boreas (western toad) is a native amphibian found on Squak Mountain.

Squak Mountain first appears in the history of European settlement after the discovery of coal on the mountain in 1859. This helped fuel the establishment of the first commercial coal mine in Issaquah in 1862 and in Renton in 1863. While there is no longer coal mining on Squak Mountain, the dangers posed by abandoned mines are one reason it has been preserved from development.[5]

Squak Mountain State Park was formed in 1972. The initial land grant of 590 acres to form the park was made by the Bullitt family. The initial grant was near the top and specified that the land remain in its natural state. These stipulations can still be seen today in the greater restrictions in park usage at the top of the mountain, on the original Bullitt family parcel. The remains of the Bullitt family home (just a foundation and fireplace) can be found in this original parcel.

Over time, the park has expanded to its current size of 1,545-acres through the acquisition of additional parcels of land.[6]

While generally a quiet and safe park, there have been some incidents over the years:

  • On January 15, 1953, during a heavy storm, a Flying Tiger Line DC-4 flying to Boeing field from Burbank, California, was blown off course, clipped trees near the summit and came down near a farm near the Issaquah-Hobart Road in a fiery crash that killed all on board. The fire was so intense it was four days before it burned itself out enough that rescuers could approach and recover the bodies.[7][8]
  • On May 4, 1991, Donna Barensten, who suffered from dementia, disappeared while hiking with her husband Ron in Squak Mountain State Park. Her body was found nearly one year later on April 27, 1992.[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
  • On April 25, 2004, the body of Alena Stathopoulos, 29 was found on the Squak Mountain trail not far from SE May Valley Road by two hikers. Her roommate Esther Rose Havekost was convicted in December 2004 for murdering her in their shared apartment and for paying a man $10,000 to dump the body. She was sentenced to 27 months in prison.[16][17][18]
  • On August 7, 2011, Kenneth Blanchard, 53, an experienced paraglider, died after a rigging problem caused him to fall 40 to 50 feet to his death. He had launched from Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain with the intent of landing not at the Tiger Mountain Flight Park [19] landing point, but instead in a pasture near his home in Renton, Washington. While flying over the High Valley neighborhood on the southwest side of Squak Mountain, his rigging experienced a catastrophic failure that caused him to fall to his death in a pasture.[20]

Park

[edit]

The well-signed trail system consists mostly of abandoned roads that are narrowing to single-track trails, more so each year. One such road-trail leads to a foundation and fireplace that is the remnant of the Bullitt family summer home. Distant views are infrequent because of the forest. The major attraction of Squak Mountain is its urban wilderness.

Trails

[edit]

Residential development in Issaquah extends to the park boundary at an elevation of about 1,100 feet (340 m). The park is accessed from a trailhead (elevation 740 ft or 230 m) at the hairpin turn of Mountainside Drive in the north, and the signed state park entrance on May Valley Road in the south (elevation 350 ft or 110 m). A lesser trailhead is found on the Renton-Issaquah Road on the west (elevation 400 ft or 120 m). Other trailheads may be reached via Sycamore Drive SE and Sunrise Place SE.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Byron". NGS Data Sheet. National Geodetic Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce.
  2. ^ "Squak Mountain". Peakbagger.com.
  3. ^ Bright, William (2004). Native American placenames of the United States. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 187, 459. ISBN 978-0-8061-3598-4. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  4. ^ Majors, Harry M. (1975). Exploring Washington. Van Winkle Publishing Co. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-918664-00-6.
  5. ^ Ginderland, Sherry (October 27, 2005). "Hiker mines Eastside's coal-fired past". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  6. ^ "Complete information for Squak Mountain". Washington State Parks. Archived from the original on June 21, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  7. ^ Pfarr, Tim (February 15, 2011). "Uncover the dark side of Issaquah". Issaquah Press. Archived from the original on October 1, 2011. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
  8. ^ "Flying Tiger cargo plane crashes at the base of Squak Mountain south of Issaquah, killing seven, on January 7, 1953". History Link. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  9. ^ "Trackers Hunt For Woman, 59, Missing In Hike". Seattle Times. May 6, 1991. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  10. ^ Long, Katherine (May 7, 1991). "No Sign Of Woman Missing On Squak Mtn". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  11. ^ "Search Suspended For Hiker – Issaquah Woman Still Missing After Four Days On Squak Mountain". Seattle Times. May 8, 1991. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  12. ^ Long, Katherine (May 10, 1991). "The Vanished Hiker – Puzzled Husband Retraces Fateful Walk On Squak Mt". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  13. ^ "Body Found On Squak Mountain". Seattle Times. April 27, 1992. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
  14. ^ "Body On Squak Mountain May Be Issaquah Hiker's". Seattle Times. April 27, 1992. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  15. ^ "Bones Identified As Woman Hiker Missing For A Year – Cause Of Death Remains Unclear". Seattle Times. April 28, 1992. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  16. ^ "Death of woman found on Squak Mountain is a mystery to authorities". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. May 5, 2004. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  17. ^ Skolnik, Sam (December 1, 2004). "Woman who ran escort agency charged in roommate's death". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  18. ^ "Woman gets 27 months in slaying of friend". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. July 15, 2005. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  19. ^ "About Tiger Mountain Flight Park". Archived from the original on September 22, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  20. ^ Kagarise, Warren (August 9, 2011). "Paraglider pilot plummets to death near Squak Mountain". Issaquah Press. Archived from the original on March 14, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Squak Mountain.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Squak_Mountain&oldid=1257083975"